EC Podcast
EC Podcast
NEVER MISS A BEAT WITH THE EC PODCAST!
Whether you’re in the lab, at your desk, or on the go, the EC Podcast delivers monthly expert insights into key industry trends and developments – keeping you informed and inspired wherever you are.
Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading coatings professionals, delivering valuable knowledge on innovations, research breakthroughs, and market dynamics directly to your ears.
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Episode 7: Europe’s Top 25 paint manufacturers with Damir Gagro
How has the European coatings industry navigated a year of intense macroeconomic pressure, and which companies are bucking the trend of revenue decline? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco is joined by Damir Gagro, editor at European Coatings, to dissect the newly released Top 25 rankings.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Damir Gagro (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 6: British Coatings Federation in the international landscape with Tom Bowtell
In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco speaks with Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF, about the association’s role, the current market situation and the critical issues of regulation and raw materials.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Tom Bowtell (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 5: Video Episode: From Excel to AI – Digital Coatings Labs
In this episode, Yeray Arauco talks with Charles Jouanique, co‑founder of LabV, about the digital transformation of coatings R&D. They discuss the shift from Excel‑based workflows to AI‑supported formulation, the challenge of preserving expert knowledge, and how universities like Esslingen are starting to train the next generation of formulators with modern digital tools.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Charles Jouanique (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 4: Sustainability in Architectural Coatings with AkzoNobel experts Dr. Jitte Flapper and Job Coenen
In this episode of the EC Podcast, Yeray Arauco talks to AkzoNobel experts Dr. Jitte Flapper and Job Coenen about balancing carbon footprint, durability and cost.
Dr. Jitte Flapper leads the Expertise Center Formulation & Analytical Science in AkzoNobel’s R&D organisation in the Netherlands, focusing on more sustainable paints and academic collaboration. Job Coenen, Senior Program Manager Sustainability at AkzoNobel, drives the decarbonisation of the global portfolio and represents the company in international sustainability networks.
From life-cycle thinking per square metre to BREEAM and embodied carbon, the discussion explores how sustainability is measured in practice. They examine key footprint drivers such as titanium dioxide and binders, bio-based raw material limits and the rise of the mass balance approach.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Dr. Jitte Flapper and Job Coenen (Guests) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Bonus Episode: Acquisition of Stahl by Henkel with Stahl’s CEO Maarten Heijbroek
In this special episode, we talk with Stahl’s CEO, Maarten Heijbroek, about the company’s groundbreaking acquisition by Henkel. Get exclusive, behind-the-scenes details of the deal and the personal story behind the announcement.
Heijbroek breaks down the strategic synergy between Stahl’s coatings and Henkel’s adhesives. The discussion covers the future of innovation, prospects for employees, and the growing role of AI.
Gain insight into one of the industry’s biggest shifts and the shared vision for the journey ahead.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Maarten Heijbroek (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 3: Analysis of the deal between Covestro and ADNOC with Alex Comanita
We enter the year 2026 talking with Alex Comanita chatting about the deal between Covestro and ADNOC, one of the biggest market moves in the last months of 2025.
What does this deal mean for innovation, sustainability and the competitive dynamics of the chemical industry? Could it signal a broader trend of Middle Eastern investors reshaping the sector?
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Alex Comanita (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 2: Analysis of the merger between Axalta and AkzoNobel with Alex Comanita
What happens when one of the oldest names in chemistry joins forces with a major American coatings powerhouse? In this episode, Yeray López sits down with Alex Comanita to unpack the $25 billion merger between Akzo Nobel and Axalta, a move that could reshape the global coatings map.
From Akzo Nobel’s centuries‑old legacy to the strategic thinking behind this merger of equals, the discussion explores cost and revenue synergies, global reach, and the cultural challenges of combining two corporate giants.
But it’s not all about the big players. Comanita also highlights what these megadeals mean for small and medium‑sized enterprises, how they can stay innovative, and why specialization might be their strongest path forward.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Alex Comanita (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Episode 1: The human factor in digitalisation
Welcome to the first episode of the new season! This time, we’re chatting to Detlef Gysau (PERFECO) about digitalisation and automation. Following the success of the EC Conference in Cologne, we will be exploring how mindset and the human factor affect the transition to a digital-driven industry.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Detlef Gysau (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco
Bonus Episode: Analysis of the deal between BASF and The Carlyle Group with Olaf Adamek
In this bonus episode, we have the chance to talk with Olaf Adamek. He was involved in the transformation process from DuPont to the creation of Axalta, one of the first acquisitions by Carlyle. We will discuss the details of the new deal between BASF and Carlyle, and consider how it might affect the coatings industry and its employees.
Speaking: Yeray López Arauco (Editor), Olaf Adamek (Guest) / Production: Yeray López Arauco